Monocle Lake Campground
4.5452 reviewsMonocle Lake Campground, Forest Rd. 3699, Michigan
Monocle Lake Campground
$16.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Site fee is $22 per day. Federal Recreation Passes (Golden/America the Beautiful) are accepted. Day use and boat launch are free.
About this campground
Tucked away on the southern shore of pristine Monocle Lake, this hidden gem in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers campers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. A single loop road winds through generously spaced sites, each one embraced by a canopy of whispering aspens, vibrant red maples, and graceful white birches. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a basecamp for exploring the region's spectacular waterfalls, historic lighthouses, and the mighty Lake Superior, Monocle Lake Campground provides an authentic north woods experience that captures the essence of Pure Michigan.
Monocle Lake Campground offers primarily rustic tent and RV camping, with 42 sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets and water spigots complete the amenities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby Point Iroquois Lighthouse, where maritime history comes alive. This majestic 65-foot sentinel has guided vessels through Lake Superior's waters since 1857, standing as a testament to the region's rich nautical heritage. Today, the lighthouse doubles as a fascinating museum where visitors can climb the tower, explore keeper's quarters, and discover the stories of shipwrecks, rescues, and the dedicated families who kept the light burning through storms and solitude.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Upper Peninsula's dramatic seasonal transformations at Monocle Lake. Summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable highs around 73°F, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the surrounding maples burst into fiery reds and oranges. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge below 20°F, creating opportunities for hardy cold-weather enthusiasts. Spring's renewal brings fresh rains and the awakening of the forest, making each season a unique chapter in your camping story.
ElevationPerched at 780 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a naturally cooler microclimate that provides relief from summer heat and creates the perfect conditions for the lush forest ecosystem. This modest elevation contributes to the area's refreshing atmosphere, where morning mists often drift across the lake and evening breezes carry the sweet scent of birch and pine.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a living cathedral of aspens, maples, and birches, with glimpses of Monocle Lake's sparkling waters just beyond your campsite. This 172-acre aquatic playground invites endless recreation—cast a line for native fish species, launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle, or simply float in the clear, refreshing waters. The surrounding forest creates an ever-changing tapestry of colors and textures, from spring's tender green shoots to autumn's spectacular foliage display.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Monocle Lake Campground sits within a remarkable landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and time. The north woods ecosystem thrives here, where aspens dance in the breeze, red maples paint the forest with seasonal color, and paper birches stand like white sentinels among the greenery. This strategic location offers the best of both worlds—intimate forest camping with easy access to both the tranquil waters of Monocle Lake and the awe-inspiring expanse of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySites have hardened surfaces and tent pads. Accessible tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and restrooms are available throughout the campground.
Sites SizeLarge sites capable of accommodating rigs up to 30 feet. "The sites are huge and very woodsy," commented one user, emphasizing their spaciousness.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, providing significant privacy. "We barely even noticed that we had neighbors," remarked a camper who stayed on site 38.
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest choosing sites with lake access or shaded areas for a better experience.
Best CampsitesSite 38 was highlighted for its privacy. Site 32 was mentioned negatively as a 'horrible site location.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM early check-in incurs a fee.
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site not stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single loop structure accommodating 42 campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 through October 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Hiawatha National Forest website or by calling 1-877-444-67777.
Walk-in AvailabilityHalf of the sites are first-come, first-served, making it possible to secure a spot without a reservation during weekdays.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy noted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Monocle Lake Campground offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. The Mission Hill Overlook Trail and the trail around Monocle Lake are highlights for hiking enthusiasts.
Hiking
The Mission Hill Overlook Trail (1.5 miles) offers a scenic hike. Additionally, campers can enjoy a trail around Monocle Lake, which takes about two hours to complete, according to user feedback.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include stocked walleye, northern pike, and perch. There is a walleye spawning reef west of the campground and a fishing pier.Swimming
Swimming is available in Monocle Lake. "The lake is beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for swimming," noted one user.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed. A boat ramp and carry-down access make the lake accessible for various boating activities.Water Sports
Activities include kayaking and power boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings only.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife including baby toads and newts have been spotted. Vault toilets and other rustic facilities may not meet expectations for some campers.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 14.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Brimley, Michigan.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season spans July and August.
Trash and recyclingNo specific mention of trash and recycling facilities, though the campground is noted for being clean and well-maintained by the hosts.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on the shores of Monocle Lake, close to other water bodies like Lake Superior.
Common complaintsSome campers reported noise disturbances from generators and instances of disruptive behavior.
HostHosts Larry and Becky were praised for their friendly demeanor and maintaining spotless facilities.
Campground Map
Monocle Lake Campground, Forest Rd. 3699, Michigan
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and I-75 drive 7.5 miles west on M-28 to M-221. Turn right (north) and drive 2.5 miles on M-221 to Iroquois Rd/Lake Shore Drive (Forest Highway 42). Turn left (west) on Lake Shore Drive and drive 6.2 miles to Forest Road 3699. Turn left (west) on FR3699 and drive 1 mile to Monocle Lake Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Parking aprons are gravel. Seasonal closures apply; open mid-May through mid-October.Nearby places
Brimley (7 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest provisions are at a small grocery/deli market near the main intersection in Brimley, approximately 7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
52 reviews
Monocle Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as quiet, clean, and well-maintained with spacious sites. Hosts are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Some users noted generator noise as a drawback during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the large, private sites and the cleanliness of the facilities. The lake and its surrounding trails are frequently praised as beautiful and peaceful.
Based on 52 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include occasional generator noise outside of quiet hours and incidents of disruptive behavior from other campers. Limited Verizon cell service and the lack of showers are also noted.
Based on 52 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites, especially on busy weekends. Bring your own potable water.
Based on 52 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest in July and August, with quieter periods in May/June and post-Labor Day. Fall is a popular time to visit due to the lake's picturesque colors.
Based on 52 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilets are the cleanest we have experienced during our camping tour of the Great Lakes." "The sites are huge and very woodsy." "The lake is beautiful and peaceful." "The camp hosts keep...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 38 is notable for providing excellent privacy, as one user remarked, "We barely even noticed that we had neighbors."
Based on 52 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features, including hardened site surfaces and accessible restrooms, were frequently praised.
Based on 52 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs appear to be welcome, as one user noted it is a "dog-friendly" campground.
Based on 52 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025